Once again, GFF presents our annual series of stories of and by Indigenous peoples. Many of the films are from right here in Manitoba, and many more are from across Canada and around the Americas.
Generously sponsored by Manitoba’s very own, Indigenous-owned production company Eagle Vision!
Edge of the Knife (SGaawaay Kùuna)
dir. Gwaii Edenshaw / Helen Haig-Brown
2018 | Canada | 100 min. | Buy tickets!
In the 19th-century, two large families gather for their annual fishing retreat on the island of Haida Gwaii. Adiits’ii, a charming nobleman, accidentally causes the death of his friend Kwa’s son and hastens into the wilderness. Adiits’ii is tormented by what he has done and spirals into insanity, becoming Gaagiixid, a supernatural being crazed by hunger. He unexpectedly survives the winter, and at next year’s gathering, the families try to convert Gaagiixid back to Adiitst’ii.
In My Blood It Runs
dir. Maya Newell
2019 | Australia | 90 min. | Buy tickets!
Ten-year-old Dujuan is a healer, hunter and proud Arrernte boy who speaks three languages. He lives in Alice Springs, Australia where 100% of the children in juvenile detention centres are Indigenous. His personality and charm are infectious. Yet he’s failing at school and his family is facing increasing scrutiny from the police as he travels perilously close to incarceration. In this stunning observational documentary, traditional culture and colonial ideas clash as Dujuan’s future is held in the balance.
nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up
dir. Tasha Hubbard
2019 | Canada | 98 min. | Buy tickets!
When Colten Boushie died from a gunshot to the back of his head after entering Gerald Stanley’s rural property with his friends, the Cree man’s death captured international attention. Sensitively directed by Tasha Hubbard, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up weaves a profound narrative encompassing the filmmaker’s own adoption, the stark history of colonialism on the Prairies, and a vision of a future where Indigenous children can live safely on their homelands.
Urban Eclipse: Rising Tides of Kekekoziibii (Shoal Lake 40)
dir. Jesse Green & Vanda Fleury-Green
2019 | Manitoba | 77 mins | Buy tickets!
The Shoal Lake aqueduct is a major artery piping drinking water to homes in Winnipeg. But its history speaks to a dirty truth for Kekekoziibii, the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation who was displaced, isolated and robbed of its own drinking water. Filmmaker Jesse Green travels back to his home community interviewing people about the impacts of the aqueduct in the 100 years since it was built.
When The Children Left
dir. Charlene Moore
2019 | Canada | 11 min. | Buy tickets!
For generations, children have been forced to leave their communities. After losing her sister, Angelina embarks on a healing journey to honour her.
The Violence of a Civilization Without Secrets
dir. Adam Khalil / Zack Khalil / Jackson Polys
2017 | United States | 10 min. | Buy tickets!
An urgent study on the historical violence of museum archives.
Indigenous Filmmakers’ Association Short Films
12:30 PM | Aspire Theatre
GFF is proud to present our 3rd annual showcase of films made and curated by the local Indigenous Filmmakers Association (IFA). This made-in-Manitoba short film program is part of GFF’s Indigenous Film Series, sponsored generously by Eagle Vision, Manitoba’s Indigenous-owned film and television production company!
Nap Time
dir. Justina Neepin | 1 min.
What do babies dream of when they nap?
Nappy Hair & Eagle Feather
dir. Adeline Bird | 5 min.
A young mixed-race teen trying to find her identity in the 21st century.
Missing You
dir. Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill | 5 min.
Tamara invites her younger sister, Robin, to stay with her in the city. Robin, hesitant to leave the Rez, decides she misses her sister and wants to spend time with her. They spend a great week together, but soon Robin finds herself alone in the city.
The Mannequin
dir. Ka Ni Kanichihk Youth Film | 4 min.
2 co-workers find a mannequin in their basement.
Blood Bus
dir. Marilyn Thomas | 6 min.
Paula is ready to donate blood for the first time, but when she encounters a group of vampires who want more blood than she’s willing to donate, she’s in for a fight. Made as part of the WIHM Annual Blood drive.
Never Trust A Stiff
dir. Roger Boyer | 8 min.
Vera, expecting to leave the country with her lover Mike, arrives at their meeting spot only to find Mike dead and his ex-wife, Katherine, waiting for her.
Becoming
dir. Charlene Moore | 4 min.
A young boy discovers that he is a lot stronger than he thought.
Skate Break
dir. Peatr Thomas | 5 min.
A young man takes a break from work, skateboarding along to see his favourite Winnipeg murals.
Fright, Scare, Subscribe Ep 2
dir. Cody Blacksmith
Danny Dangerz returns to search for the legendary Bigfoot.
No Luck Required
dir. Amanda Kindzierski | 4 min.
A woman investigates an underground gambling ring and becomes enthralled by a world of competitive luck.